Potato exports from Bangladesh have increased by 10.7% year-on-year, but this has not been sufficient to offset higher production levels. According to provisional data from the Department of Agricultural Extension, production reached around 1.17 crore tons this year, compared to about 1.15 crore tons last year.
Annual domestic demand is estimated at 8.5 to 9 million tons. The Bangladesh Cold Storage Association reported 3.6 million tons currently in storage, around 100,000 tons more than last year.
Export volumes in FY26 up to April 29 reached 52,293 tons, compared to 47,225 tons in FY25 over a similar period. The increase of just over 5,000 tons has not been enough to absorb the excess supply.
Sector sources cite low production of export-quality potatoes and higher production costs compared to neighbouring countries. AKM Mafidul Islam, deputy director (export) of the Plant Quarantine Wing, said, "Furthermore, the Vietnamese market has recently opened up for Bangladeshi potato exporters."
Ferdousi Begum, chairman of the Bangladesh Potato Exporters Association, said, "The demand for potatoes in Bangladesh is only 85 lakh tons, but we have had a surplus since 2007." She added, "There is not much demand for Bangladeshi potatoes anywhere except Malaysia."
Mostofa Azad Chowdhury Babu, president of the Bangladesh Cold Storage Association, said, "The main problem with exporting potatoes from Bangladesh is that the production cost is higher than in neighbouring countries." He added, "This year, the cost of producing one kilogram of potatoes in the Northern districts was Tk 15 (US$0.14) and Tk 19 (US$0.17) in Munshiganj. In contrast, the production cost in India is around Tk 10 (US$0.09)."
Farmers report lower prices due to oversupply. Rafiqul Islam said his crop was affected by rain, and he has not received support. Abdul Motin said prices of the local variety 'Pakri' potatoes have dropped by half since the start of the season. Sakiul Islam said he plans to limit production, while Nayeem Islam said he may stop cultivation next year.
Retail prices in Dhaka remain at Tk 20 to Tk 25 per kg (US$0.18–0.23), unchanged from last year.
Abdur Rahim, director general of the Department of Agricultural Extension, said, "For this reason, the government is working to increase potato usage by processing them alongside exports." He added, "We will then be able to determine exactly how much land should be used for potato cultivation based on national demand."
Jahangir Alam Khan said, "This year, the government could set a minimum procurement price for potatoes." He suggested buying and storing at least 10% of total production to support the market.
Source: Bangi News
